Meet the cast of Robin Hood and Maid Marian: Finley Davies

In the lead-up to this year's #NewburyPanto adventure, Robin Hood and Maid Marian, we caught up with Ensemble member Finley Davies in an exclusive interview...

How did you feel when you found out you’d be part of Robin Hood and Maid Marian?

Valued for one. It’s nice to know that a director, writer or theatre company appreciates you as a performer enough to want to bring you to Newbury to work with you. Working in theatre is not always a given. There’s a lot of people trying to do the same thing at once, which is to perform, and to do what they feel passionate about. I’m lucky that I’m able to perform again, and to work with people who appreciate the performance I bring. 

How familiar are you with the legend of Robin Hood? Any memories?

You know, it’s been a while. I think it’s a legend that most kids grow up watching or reading about but it’s been so long since I’ve watched or read something about it. Now that I'm an adult it will be fascinating to revisit that legend.

What do you hope audiences will take away from watching this show?

First of all, I hope it gives people an opportunity to relax and to shut out the world for a couple of hours. That’s a positive about theatre and sitting in theatres themselves - you don’t have your phone as a distraction. You are sat in a room with atmospheric lighting and tremendous sound that allows you to be transported into an imaginary world. I love the idea of adults being excited by the plot twists just as much as the kids. I hope people come out of the show with a burst of energy, and something to talk to one another about: a show that has made them feel festive. 

What are you most looking forward to about being in Newbury for the festive period?

From what I’ve seen so far, Newbury seems to have a proper community, something that goes missing in 2025 sometimes. The theatre represents the community too. I look forward to discovering the hidden gems of the town on my days off. I love a long walk and my sweet tooth means I love a good bakery too so I’m sure I’ll scope that out.

If you could live inside the world of any Christmas film, what would it be?

Does Gavin and Stacey count? I think that’s one hell of a group to share a bev with, especially Nessa. I wouldn’t want to go drinking with her though. That wouldn’t end well.

What’s at the top of your wish list this year?

No particular presents come to mind but what does is the request that I get extra pigs-in-blankets in my dinner. There’s always a shortage of them. It usually requires a fight to the death for them.

What’s your favourite karaoke song? 

Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen. One likes to think he’s at Wembley. 

Do you have any Christmas traditions?

I imagine there’s quite a few…. A lot of them revolving food and drinks of course. I have to have my morning Bucks Fizz and bacon pancakes or else it simply won’t be a good day. I’m too giddy to wake up late or lie in, much to the annoyance of my older brother. That will happen again this year. Apologies Ioan. I will come in your room and belt a song out to wake you up this year. 

We always go out for a walk early-ish too. Down the coast usually, which is 30 minutes away. I think that’s in anticipation of the amount of food and drink my body will consume. 

Secret Santa is one for many families. It’s important that the budget is low. I think the gifts are jokes if so. You really do realise who are awful and genius when it comes to giving people gifts. You have to hope that you know the person well and that it’s not your 8th cousin. 

How does preparing for a panto differ from preparing for a musical like Fame?

This is my first pantomime, so of course there'll be a lot of finding that out on the job, which is always fun. What I will say is that I think it’s beneficial to go into a pantomime with more of an open mind. So many aspects of the show will change. The script itself could change. We are able to do that, having the writers work so closely which is rare. So not being so protective of performance choices and ideas as an actor is magnified in a pantomime production. 

Of course, it’s Christmas, a time to have a laugh, and put a smile on peoples faces. To not take yourself seriously at all. That gives me even more license to mess about on stage 'professionally'!

Are there any pantomime traditions you are most looking forward too? 

A few answers come to mind. It’s rare for families to come to the theatre together. I’m sure there will be members of the public who haven’t even been to the theatre or at least haven’t for a while. It’s a chance for people to come together and enjoy something as a group rather than individually, as we all live busy lives. It’s rare to have an excuse to see people in a group setting like this.

Is there a specific performance night you are looking forward to most?

The obvious one is Christmas Eve to me. It will always release the inner child in you. I look forward to the atmosphere in the theatre as it’s the 'night of' and to then go back to the dressing room, get changed quickly, have a quick toast with the rest of the crew and then get to the train station to head home to South Wales. I may even play Driving Home for Christmas on the way home just to lighten the mood.

Robin Hood and Maid Marian runs from Friday 28 November 2025 to Saturday 3 January 2026. Find out more and book your tickets here.